From Intention to Implementation of Vertical Green: The Case of Ljubljana

Damjana Gantar, Jana Kozamernik, Ina Šuklje Erjavec and Simon Koblar
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Damjana Gantar: Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, SI1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Jana Kozamernik: Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, SI1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ina Šuklje Erjavec: Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, SI1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Simon Koblar: Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, SI1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 6, 1-19

Abstract: This article examines the need and opportunities to implement vertical green in Ljubljana as a case of a medium-sized European city with a relatively green feel. Sustainability-oriented urban development supports the introduction of nature-based solutions in principle; however, there is a lack of vertical green as well as actual legislative and administrative support. Therefore, several methods were applied in the present study to link this idea to execution, starting with semi-structured interviews and a workshop for selected city officials. Legislative and formal backgrounds for implementation were then assessed. An inventory of green façades and other structures (e.g., noise barriers and retaining walls) in Ljubljana was prepared, and a geographic information system-based decision support system was developed to identify the potential areas in the city where additional green space elements would be most favourable for humans, the environment, and climate indicators. The results reveal a gap between opportunities and the actual situation. The general opinion that there is never too much green space in urban areas is confirmed by direct information from the city administration and strategic documents. There are many potential sites for implementation; however, this is hindered by ownership, management, and economic issues. The study concludes with some suggestions for following the best practices in other central European capitals, such as Vienna and Berlin.

Keywords: vertical green; green infrastructure; sustainable city; urban planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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